Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Attempted Assassination of President Trump

Ryan Routh convicted of plotting attack at Florida golf course in 2024

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Ryan Routh, the man convicted of attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a Florida golf course in 2024, has been sentenced to life in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon delivered the sentence, also imposing a mandatory consecutive seven-year term tied to a firearms conviction.

Why it matters

The attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate is an extremely serious crime that threatens the foundations of American democracy. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing political violence and extremism, as well as the need for robust security measures to protect candidates and the electoral process.

The details

The September 2024 incident unfolded at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. Trial testimony revealed that a U.S. Secret Service agent spotted Routh hiding in shrubbery before Trump came into view. Routh aimed a rifle toward the agent but dropped the weapon and fled after the agent opened fire. He was arrested shortly afterward on a nearby highway. A jury found Routh guilty last fall on five felony counts, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple gun-related offenses.

  • The incident occurred in September 2024 at a Florida golf course.
  • Routh was convicted by a jury in the fall of 2025.
  • Routh was sentenced to life in prison on February 5, 2026.

The players

Ryan Routh

The 59-year-old man convicted of attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Aileen Cannon

The U.S. District Judge who sentenced Routh to life in prison.

Donald Trump

The former president who was the target of the assassination attempt.

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What they’re saying

“Routh asserts that the jury was misled by his inability to effectively confront witnesses, use exhibits or affirmatively introduce impeachment evidence designed to prove his lack of intent to cause injury to anyone.”

— Ryan Routh (Defense filing)

What’s next

The judge's decision to impose the maximum sentence of life in prison is expected to be appealed by Routh's defense team.

The takeaway

This case underscores the grave threat that political violence poses to American democracy and the need for robust security measures to protect candidates and the electoral process. It also highlights the challenges in addressing extremism and mental health issues that can contribute to such crimes.